The beauty of playlists is that they can speak for themselves. This one is a double disc: it has a lot to say. For the most part, this is a compilation of celebration. Choose what you yourself are grateful for. How prolific your favorite musicians have been this year? The fact that you didn’t tattoo your recently ex-girlfriend’s name on your knuckles like you had planned to? That the Democrats have finally seized the House and Senate? Perhaps I am projecting with that last one – forgive me.

The point is, the world keeps turning. Life plods on, or races, depending on whether or not you let boredom get the best of you. This mix has plodding moments; it has racing ones. I wanted it to reflect back on life. And, like in life, there will be patches of songs you don’t like. It’s inevitable: nobody is happy all the time and even the best musicians make poor choices. If you need an example, just pop in The Streets’ latest album.

On second thought, don’t. I’d like the year to end for you on a positive note.